Looking to gain experience and skills working on social justice issues? Are you interested in utilizing media to affect change? Do you want direct experience in civic engagement and advocacy efforts? CAIR-Chicago is currently seeking Communications, Outreach, and Government Affairs interns who want to work on defending the civil liberties of Muslim Americans, and the civil rights of all Americans.

We are currently accepting applications for the Summer 2013 and Fall 2013 sessions.

To find out more about our internship program and how to apply, please visit our Intern Center.

Below are descriptions of the respective departments seeking interns:

COMMUNICATIONS Our Communications Department monitors local and national media closely and flags coverage of issues relating to Islam and Muslims, as well as issues related to other communities of color and faith, civil rights, and social justice. The department holds press conferences and issues press releases, media advisories, and story pitches in order to ensure that Muslim perspectives on pressing issues and current events are represented in the mainstream media. The department also maintains CAIR-Chicago’s official website as well as social media websites, and creates the organization’s documentaries and publications.

OUTREACH Our Outreach Department aims to educate, foster understanding and build bridges between Muslims and the general public in the greater Chicagoland and the State of Illinois. Through such efforts, the department establishes mutually beneficial partnerships through educational and multicultural collaborations with local, state and national organizations and institutions. The department also bolsters CAIR-Chicago’s ability to serve constituents within Muslim communities. To this end, the Outreach Department leads CAIR-Chicago’s youth leadership initiative, internship and volunteer activist programs, interfaith and intercultural initiatives, educational seminars, and civic engagement efforts.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Our Government Affairs Division within the Outreach Department seeks to organize, mobilize, and empower the Muslim community throughout greater Chicagoland and the State of Illinois with long-term civic participation and awareness. Its educational initiatives help community members understand the political system and utilize it to work for their issues. Projects include voter registration drives, community workshops, “know your rights” educational campaigns, and training sessions at mosques and community centers on how to contact and engage local, state and national elected officials.

The division also systematically works to educate political representatives about their Muslim constituents while ultimately engaging these public officials with the Muslim community’s unique issues and concerns. Finally, the division seeks partnerships in coalitions across various demographics to encourage dialogue and understanding, broaden perspectives and appeal, and set actions that will result in fair, proactive policy making that sustains positive effects for all who live in greater Chicagoland, Illinois and the United States.